If an atom has 42 protons and 36 neutrons, how many electrons will it have?

Question

Biology

Mara Marshall

6 February, 02:32

If an atom has 42 protons and 36 neutrons, how many electrons will it have?

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Answers (2)

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Sebastian Holmes · Answer 1

The quick answer is 42 electrons would be required however, the question has a kicker in it, there should be between 42 and 50 neutrons there also if the atom is to be stable. with a marginal number of neutrons like 36 atom will be highly unstable and most likely self distruct.

Carley · Answer 2

If an atom is in its natural state the number of protons will equal the number of electrons. This is because an atom naturally wants to be "even" and since protons have a positive charge, the atom will have the same number of electrons (negative) so that they cancel each other out.